According to a report from ABC 7 Eyewitness News, Southern California Edison is being sued for wrongful death by multiple families who lost loved ones to the Eaton Fire. The family of Betty Barr and Ivy Barr, a vulnerable mother and daughter pair who received in-home health services in the San Gabriel Valley, have taken legal action against the company. It is the latest wrongful death lawsuit filed against Southern California Edison related to the terrible fire. In this article, our Stockton wrongful death attorney provides a more comprehensive overview of the case.
What to Know About the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County
In January of 2025, a massive, destructive wildfire caused terrible damage in Southern California. The blaze reportedly broke out in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains near Altadena, California. It was fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and dry winter conditions. Unfortunately, the devastating blaze spread rapidly through rugged terrain in Eaton Canyon and surrounding residential areas. Evacuation orders were issued for parts of Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and Altadena as the fire quickly approached homes and infrastructure. More than 100,000 residents of these communities were subject to the mandatory evacuation orders.
Firefighters from multiple agencies battled the flames over several days, working in steep and hazardous conditions. The fire ultimately scorched over 500 acres and damaged or destroyed multiple structures. The damage was downright catastrophic. Despite containment efforts, the wildfire persisted for 24 days, reaching full containment on January 31st, 2025. Tragically, the Eaton Fire claimed at least 18 lives and destroyed over 9,400 structures. It is one of the most destructive wildfires in the history of California. The damage totals well into the billions of dollars.
Another Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Southern California Edison
As confirmed in reporting by ABC 7 Eyewitness News, the latest wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Southern California Edison. It comes five months after the devastating Eaton Fire tore through the San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles County and hit the community of Altadena very hard. The family of Betty and Ivy Barr, disabled women who lived in Altadena and who lost their home in the fire, note that they died weeks apart in March following health complications that they argue were directly related to the fire.
The wrongful death lawsuit alleges Southern California Edison aging infrastructure and negligent response both caused the blaze and allowed it to spread out of control. Notably, three additional families have joined the case. For its part, the company has expressed sympathy for those affected and stated that it is still conducting an internal investigation. That investigation is expected to take more than a year to be completed.
A More Detailed Overview of the Allegations Against Southern California Edison (Eaton Fire)
Southern California Edison is facing allegations that its negligence was a primary factor in causing the Eaton Fire. Further, grieving families contend that the company’s slow response allowed the blaze to spread and contributed to immense damage. Here is an overview of some of the specific allegations that have been raised against California’s largest utility company:
- Equipment Failure as the Cause (Ignition at Transmission Lines): Multiple lawsuits, including by Los Angeles County, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre, assert that the fire started directly underneath SCE’s high-voltage transmission lines in Eaton Canyon. As evidence, these lawsuits They reference witness testimony, photographs, video, and SCE’s own disclosure to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) of a recorded “fault” on a transmission circuit around fire ignition time
- Aging, Poorly Maintained Infrastructure as a Factor: Lawsuits against the utility company also alleged that the transmission tower involved was over 100 years old. Alarmingly, it was reportedly decommissioned in 1971 yet never dismantled or upgraded. Beyond that, there are arguments within the wrongful death lawsuit that the transmission line lacked proper vegetation clearance and was not subject to regular safety inspections.
- Company’s Failure to Act on Red Flag Warning Signs: Finally, legal complaints argue that Southern California Edison failed to de-energize lines despite extreme weather warnings from the National Weather Service. Why is that such a big deal? It is a standard safety precaution to prevent fire starts during high-wind, low-humidity conditions, and it is especially important to do it in high-risk areas.
Southern California Edison is facing a number of different lawsuits. Most importantly, the families of people who died following the fire, particularly those with preexisting medical conditions exacerbated by displacement or smoke exposure, have filed wrongful death claims against the large utility company. Beyond that, there are personal injury claims and property damage claims. Local municipalities, including Los Angeles County, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre, have filed lawsuits seeking recovery of public resources spent on firefighting, cleanup, and infrastructure repair. There may be mass tort litigation and/or class action litigation in the near future.
We Fight for Justice for Families in California
The loss of a loved one to an accident that never should have happened is a horrible, life-altering tragedy. Many of California’s worst wildfires could have been prevented if only the proper safety precautions were taken. The Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County was certainly no exception. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we fight tirelessly for justice for grieving families. With a proven history of case results, our firm is always prepared to go the extra mile for families in wrongful death cases. We have secured more than $25 million in compensation for clients. Your initial consultation with our Stockton wrongful death attorney is free, confidential, and without obligation.
Call Our Stockton Wrongful Death Attorney Today
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton wrongful death attorney is a compassionate, experienced advocate for grieving families. If your loved one was the victim of negligence that caused a deadly wire fire, we can help. Our firm knows how to navigate the sensitive, challenging civil legal claims. Contact us today for a free, no obligation case review. With a law office in Stockton, our firm handles wrongful death cases throughout all of Central California.